Struggling to pick out the facts from the figures? Reality from the rubbish? Sense from the silly season? We’ve got you sorted in our daily dose of the Transfer Predictor, where we round up the latest rumours with an analytical spin.
We sort through the most eye-catching transfer reports of the past 24 hours and give a balanced judgment on whether the move really will happen – and why.
Today’s edition features potential signings for Tottenham, Manchester United and PSG.
DANI CEBALLOS
RUMOUR: Real Madrid -> loan -> Tottenham
Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos is close to signing for Tottenham on loan, according to Estadiodeportivo.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: Ceballos feels there is a future for him at Madrid but would be keen on a loan move to Spurs, where he has signalled his intention to Mauricio Pochettino of playing 40 games plus per season.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Champions League winners Liverpool are also jockeying for position and boss Jurgen Klopp rates Ceballos very highly. The Spaniard may opt for a move instead to Anfield as the Reds go in search of a first Premier League title since 1990.
PREDICTION: 7/10
BRUNO FERNANDES
RUMOUR: Sporting Lisbon -> €70m -> Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes is expecting to seal a transfer to Manchester United this summer, according to Correio da Manha.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has targeted the Sporting Lisbon ace to strengthen his midfield, especially with Paul Pogba looking increasingly intent on a move to Juventus. Fernandes is believed to have already agreed personal terms with the Red Devils, but Sporting are continuing to hold out for a fee closer to €70m before anything is confirmed.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Only something drastic breaking down at the last minute can see this deal not getting over the line.
PREDICTION: 8/10
MALCOM
RUMOUR: Barcelona -> £50m -> PSG
PSG are keen for Barcelona to include out-of-favour attacker Malcom in any deal involving Neymar, according to La Parisien.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: Barcelona’s interest in Neymar is growing by the day and a move could be confirmed by the end of the transfer window. Keeping in mind the restriction on non-EU spots and the mammoth transfer fee, it’s likely that Malcom will be on his way out. The Brazilian has had to play a bit part role in his first season at the Camp Nou and is unlikely to force his way into the starting XI if he chooses to stay.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Borussia Dortmund are also interested in the 22-year-old but Barcelona are reportedly interested in shipping him off to Ligue 1 as part of the potential Neymar deal. However, given how the Spanish giants are in need of funds, they could sell the player to the highest bidder.
PREDICTION: 6/10
